Thirty residents of Langenlonsheim, Potton s twin town in Germany, flew into Stansted at the start of a weekend visit hosted by Potton Twinning Association. In spite of worries about hold-ups at airports recently, the visitors arrived on time late morning

Thirty residents of Langenlonsheim, Potton's twin town in Germany, flew into Stansted at the start of a weekend visit hosted by Potton Twinning Association. In spite of worries about hold-ups at airports recently, the visitors arrived on time late morning. As most of their hosts would still be at work at that time of day, our guests were taken on a visit to Mountfichet Castle which is very near to Stansted, to spend the afternoon. They eventually arrived in Potton at 5pm and were introduced to their hosts for the weekend. Thursday evening saw hosts and their guests together with Potton Town Councillors meet at the Sports Pavilion in Everton Road, for a welcome Reception. A welcoming speech was made by Councillor John Lewis, Chairman of Potton Town Council. This year, Potton and Langenlonsheim are celebrating twenty years of their Twinning Agreement and mention was made of this in the speech as well as looking to the future of the partnership. On Friday morning, a party of hosts and guests set out on a mystery tour for the day. This we were to find out, included such picturesque places as Clare and Lavenham in Suffolk where lunch was taken, and finally Finchingfield in Essex, where further refreshment was taken before the journey back to Potton. On Friday evening, guests and hosts gathered at the RSPB Headquarters for a special celebration dinner to commemorate the twenty year partnership of the two towns. Further speeches were made and gifts were exchanged between the two groups. Potton received a beautifully framed aerial picture of Langenlonsheim and this will be displayed in the Council Chamber. After dinner entertainment was provided by the Peppercorn Youth Entertainment Group from St Neots. Saturday was a free day for the visitors but many watched the Potton Carnival procession before going on a walk to the John O'Gaunt pub at Sutton. The evening was taken up at the Big Band Show organised by Party On Potton and of course the band which played also came from the Langenlonsheim area. Sunday was the final day for the visit as the schools go back in Germany earlier than here and the children on the trip were back to school the following day. Following a Church Service in the Party On! Potton marquee, a Posh Picnic was held and Potton Twinning Association laid on a first class buffet meal for hosts and their guests before the visitors departed later in the afternoon for their journey home. Once more, a successful visit from our German friends, the next exchange should take place in 2008 when PTA members will visit their German hosts.